Evacuation of Inmates Following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina

Following Hurricane Helene’s impact, over 2,000 inmates have been evacuated from North Carolina prisons as part of state-led safety measures. The NCDAC relocated inmates due to prolonged water and power outages, with assistance from federal and state military resources in ongoing recovery efforts. Families of relocated inmates have been advised on communication guidelines during this emergency situation.

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) has implemented extensive evacuation efforts for inmates across the state. According to an announcement made on October 2, more than 800 offenders have been relocated from two western North Carolina prisons, contributing to a total of over 2,000 evacuees from five different prisons. The evacuation numbers include 405 women on Monday, 841 men on Tuesday, and 805 men on Wednesday. The NCDAC emphasized that these evacuations were deemed necessary due to the prolonged restoration timelines anticipated for water and power services. The state of North Carolina is still undergoing recovery following Hurricane Helene, which ranks as the 14th most powerful storm to strike the United States. In total, North Carolina, along with several other states, has been declared a disaster zone. President Biden ordered the mobilization of 1,000 active-duty soldiers across the affected states as of October 2, primarily to assist with response efforts, including the transportation of individuals across damaged infrastructure and the provision of essential supplies. Additionally, North Carolina has deployed 700 National Guard members to assist in removing debris and conducting ongoing search and rescue operations. Governor Roy Cooper commented on the situation, stating, “As emergency responders continue search and rescue operations in Western North Carolina, local, state, federal, private and non-profit partners continue to work in concert to provide food, water, shelter and other basic necessities for people in need. Simultaneously, thousands of private sector and government employees are working 24/7 to restore critical infrastructure including power, water, wastewater treatment, cellular phone service and internet connectivity.” In light of these circumstances, relatives of inmates who have been relocated due to the storm have been advised by the state to refrain from making phone calls to their loved ones, as communication outages throughout the western region necessitate that phone lines remain clear for emergencies. However, family members can utilize the NCDAC’s Offender Locator system to track the whereabouts of their relatives during this time. The NCDAC has assured that all offenders will eventually be returned to their original facilities once it is deemed safe, though no specific timeline has been provided. As search and rescue operations persist, individuals wishing to report a missing person or seek non-emergency assistance are encouraged to contact NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 for out-of-state calls. Furthermore, the Disaster Distress Helpline is available at 1-800-985-5990 for those impacted by the storm or in need of emotional support.

The evacuation of inmates in North Carolina is part of a broader response to Hurricane Helene, which has caused widespread destruction across several states. The move was prompted by the need to ensure the safety and well-being of the prisoners amid critical infrastructure challenges, including water and power outages. The NCDAC’s actions reflect a coordinated response involving federal and state resources to aid disaster relief efforts and ensure that all affected populations, including inmates, receive necessary support during and after the hurricane’s impact.

In summary, over 2,000 inmates have been evacuated from North Carolina prisons in response to Hurricane Helene, reflecting urgent safety measures taken by the NCDAC as the region copes with the aftermath of the storm. Government and military resources are actively engaged in response and recovery efforts, while families of relocated inmates are advised on communication protocols. The state remains focused on restoring essential services and ensuring the welfare of all affected individuals.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com